The Marquess of Secrets (The Hornsby Brothers Book 3)

by Karyn Gerrard

  God, he was aroused, ready to burst into flames. But nothing prepared him for the devastating kiss. Barely touching her lips in the bedroom several nights past had him reeling, but this?

  Utterly earth-shattering.

  Her tongue tangled with his, increasing the heat between them. Harrison brought her in closer, until her ample breasts smashed against his chest, and his arousal pushed against her thigh. Would she flinch or push him away? To his absolute joy, she flung her arms about his neck, kissing him enthusiastically, pressing against him until a deep-throated growl rumbled up from his chest and escaped the corner of his mouth.

  Easy. Regardless of his rampant desire, he didn’t want to overwhelm Lydia.

  In slow increments, he reluctantly ended the kiss. “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you.”

  Laughing, Harrison gallantly pulled out her chair, then took his own seat. Sobering, he caught her gaze. Lydia’s eyes were bright, alive. “It is something wonderful. Can you feel it?”

  She nodded, then a furrow knotted between her brows. “But I cannot attend a family event. Especially one as intimate as a wedding. Surely you see this.”

  “No, I do not. Besides, there is a place I want to show you. It’s not far from my family’s estate. The Hornsby and Wollstonecraft Residential Home. It’s for those with special needs, mentally and physically. There is no reason you cannot be a nurse there. At least temporarily, until you decide what you wish to do next. It’s far enough away from London,—and Huntsford. The residence is located in a quiet, tranquil, country setting. It will give you time to heal.”

  Harrison watched her closely as she processed the information. At least she didn’t immediately shut the conversation down. “But it is merely a suggestion. Your decision. When I say you’re under my protection, it certainly does not mean you’re under my thumb. After what you endured with Huntsford, I would never presume to wield such power. We’ve only known each other a few weeks. But I feel as if I have known you my entire life.”

  Damnation, he laid his heart and soul bare. Smitten? No, it was far deeper and intense than that.

  His former mistress’s words entered his mind: I have a feeling you will follow your brothers down the path of true love with a woman not of your class. She may even be entirely inappropriate. If you meet such a lady, do not dismiss her. Nor dismiss what you feel.

  Annie, how wise you are.

  No, he would not dismiss Lydia or the emotions she evoked in him. For it was love. It filled him with unfettered joy along with a generous helping of dread. He couldn’t bear it if she walked away from him. Instinctively he understood Lydia would not be rushed, and that she’d suffered during her relationship with Huntsford, damaged to what depths was anyone’s guess. Harrison watched her closely; Lydia was struggling with her emotions. Perhaps he’d revealed too much.

  For he had never been in love before.

  * * *

  Lydia’s insides were churning with confusion and overwhelming emotions. This rush of feelings caused her heart to beat so fast, it reverberated against her ribcage. She still hadn’t recovered from the kiss, let alone his heartfelt—and heart-melting— confession. How to reply? She had no idea what to say. Leaving London immediately was her plan all along. This would be one way to achieve it. A residential home in a serene country setting? It sounded like the ideal solution.

  “Oh. Thank you. I feel as if I’ve known you for ages as well.” Best to keep the conversation focused about the residential home. “Tell me about the home,” she asked.

  Harrison explained that the Wollstonecrafts, distantly related to the late author, Mary Shelley, collaborated with the Hornsbys on the project about thirty-five years past. It was the family name for the Earl of Carnstone, and at the time, his granddaughter fell in love with a young man who had not fully matured intellectually, and, in some ways, emotionally, hence the desire to found such a home. What an interesting story. Lydia had never been to Sussex.

  “I’ve nothing appropriate to wear to a duke’s estate.” She was weakening. But reasoning it out, it was a fine suggestion. Staring at Harrison, she knew deep to her soul he would never try to control her as Huntsford had.

  He smiled broadly. “I know of dressmakers that have certain garments at the ready to be altered at a moment’s notice. I will contact one immediately.”

  “Excuse me, my lord. Viscount Hawkestone to see you.” Youngston announced. Good heavens, Harrison’s servants moved about stealthily, she never heard him enter the room.

  “My brother, Tremain.”

  Lydia stood. “Then I will leave—”

  “Please stay and meet him. After all, you’re accompanying me to his wedding. You are, correct?”

  “Yes, I will.”

  A tall man, leaning heavily on a cane, entered the room. Taller than Harrison, he had raven-black hair, his eyes the same mesmerizing shade of silver-gray. And therein was the only similarity to mark them as brothers. At least at first glance. Harrison strode toward him, and the men clasped each other’s lower arm, an odd sort of greeting.

  “Sorry to intrude without sending notice, but I wanted to let you know I’m leaving for Gransford Manor in the morning. I’ve hardly seen you the past two weeks except at parliament.” The viscount’s gaze slid to her, and he gave her a thorough assessment. “And I see why you’ve been pleasantly distracted.” His voice was as deep as Harrison’s, his expression guarded.

  “Tremain, this is Miss Lydia Chesterton. Lydia, my brother, Tremain Hornsby, Viscount Hawkestone.”

  Lydia held out her hand and the viscount took it, and bent over it, albeit a little stiffly. “A pleasure, Miss Chesterton.”

  “And you, my lord.” Lydia was not used to upper class parlor manners. “I will leave you both.”

  “Do not disappear on my account.” The viscount moved to the nearby chair and sat upon it, a grunt leaving his throat, no doubt from pain, Lydia surmised.

  Once she and Harrison took their seats, Youngston stepped forward. Oh. The under-butler had heard her real name. What did it matter now since Huntsford knew where she was staying?

  “Shall I bring coffee and tea, my lord? And perhaps cakes?” Youngston asked.

  “Tremain? Stay for a cup at least.”

  “One cup. And cakes, sure.”

  “Tea, Youngston, no coffee. Unless, Lydia?”

  She cleared her throat. “Tea is fine.”

  Once alone, Harrison relayed to his brother of the fact that she would be accompanying him to Hastings and would be there for the weddings. The viscount arched an eyebrow in surprise, but continued to listen intently to his brother’s narrative about how she was endangered by a man she was involved with at her previous place of employment. Lydia noticed Harrison did not mention terminus and any activities there. Right. His family didn’t know. As yet. Harrison only ceased his tale when Youngston entered with the tray, setting it up on a table between them.

  “Lydia, would you pour?” Harrison asked.

  Her nerve endings sparked at the request. Pouring tea for a marquess and a viscount? When almost three weeks past she had been battling with a rat in a dirty alley for a crust of bread. Strange how things turned out. She absently rubbed the top of her hand, the faint scar a stark reminder of her skirmish with the rodent—and of her dire situation.

  “Why don’t you both come with me in the morning? I have a first class berth on the nine-twenty out of Westminster Station,” the viscount suggested.

  Harrison seemed to consider it, then shook his head. “Thank you, but no, I will stick to my original departure plans. I believe we will travel by carriage. Besides, I have a number of obligations to see to before I can leave.”

  His brother frowned. “If this man is a peril, wouldn’t a quick exit from the city be the best option? And no offence to Miss Chesterton, but why expose the family to this danger?”

  Lydia’s heart stilled. “The viscount is right. I cannot go with you.”

  “Then it appears I�
��ll not be attending the wedding, for I will not abandon Lydia to the fates.” Harrison stated firmly, setting his cup and saucer on the table with a good deal of force.

  “What is she to you?” the viscount asked.

  Harrison met his brother’s inquiring gaze. “She is everything.”

  The words cut deep, and a lump formed in her throat. Honestly, Lydia was on the verge of tears. This was not expected. Harrison all but said that he loved her. Not just falling—but actually in love. She was deeply moved, and her heart soared.

  The viscount slid his gaze to Lydia as if assessing if she were truly worth such an emotionally spoken declaration. Perhaps before meeting Harrison, she would have believed she wasn’t. But in the past few weeks a healing had begun, not only of her self-worth, but her battered soul. It was a start, though the journey was not complete as yet.

  “Then I can delay my departure for two days. Think on it, Harry, there is strength in numbers. Besides your valet, you will have a man or two from this investigative agency as well. Better yet, I will send a telegraph to Spence. He is at the manor and will be able to meet us halfway on the journey.”

  Harrison rubbed his chin, then looked to her. “Lydia?”

  How wonderful that Harrison sought her opinion. Not used to it, for Huntsford never had. Lydia glanced at the brothers, who waited for her response. “I think it a solid plan; I cannot see Huntsford making any move in such a public and enclosed place as a train. But I regret the fact I’m pulling you all into this. And at such a happy time as a double wedding.”

  The viscount gave her a brief smile, the first sign of any warmth from him. “The timing may be unfortunate, but if Harry cares for you this intensely, then know that his family, particularly his brothers, will do what we can to assist him. Which in turn means to assist you.”

  Passing the cup and saucer to the viscount, she returned his smile. “Thank you, my lord.”

  “Call me Tremain.”

  “If you will call me Lydia.”

  They settled in for a relaxing cup of tea. The two brothers discussed the latest bill before parliament, taking care to keep her in the conversation. The Married Women’s Property Act, would be receiving royal assent in August, passed, and take effect the first of January 1883. At last, married women could buy, own, and sell property and keep their own earnings. No more would a married woman’s legal identity cease to exist.

  Marriage never came up as a topic between her and John, and she was silently grateful. However, he managed to seduce what little money she’d tucked away into his possession. In small drips. The thought of it angered her afresh. No more admonishments or feeling sorry for herself. Huntsford and what happened between them was firmly in her past. Time to forgive herself. Heal, as Harrison had said.

  But first to see Huntsford brought to justice. Any kind of justice they could manage, even if they could only use his debt as recourse. She would not be able to relax or move forward until he was completely out of her life. Lydia’s gaze slid to Harrison. Nor would she be able to love this wonderful man with a full heart as he deserved until all was behind her. Truthfully speaking, she was already halfway in love with him.

  Chapter 16

  After Tremain departed, the next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of activity. Harrison made arrangements at terminus for his absence, instructing the nuns to be a little more aggressive in who could stay at the shelter. They had been broadminded in their previous decisions, but now insist those who could find shelter and assistance elsewhere, seek it out. And, the terminus staff would also now curtail lengths of stay at the facility.

  Harrison loathed doing this, but he truly was short of funds. Besides, Sam located an empty two-storey building one street over that could prove to be an ideal location for their clinic/shelter. Best to focus their attention on finding a permanent home.

  Speaking of his friend, Sam lounged in the wing chair as Harrison moved about his bedchamber selecting the clothing he would take with him to Gransford Manor. Before coming upstairs, he introduced his good friend to Lydia.

  “Shouldn’t your valet be doing such a chore?” Sam asked.

  Sam had just completed his shifts at the hospital and would be taking charge of terminus while Harrison was at Gransford Manor.

  “I like to select my own garments, Gillis will pack it.” He turned toward his friend. “I want you to stay here while I’m gone. I’ve asked you more than once to give up your rented rooms and take up residence here. Think of the money you will save, especially since you’re pursuing a young lady of quality. My servants will be at your disposal. Decent meals, a good bed—”

  Sam laughed heartily. “Enough. You’ve convinced me. I am paid up until the end of the month, but I will stay here while you’re gone. After that, we will further discuss our living arrangements.”

  “Good man.” Harrison laid a number of cravats on the bed.

  “Preparations have been made with Robins?”

  Harrison stopped arranging his clothing and frowned. “I cannot say I have been altogether impressed by his actions regarding this situation.”

  “William fired the lad who had been followed,” Sam interjected. “A stupid mistake of which William is heartily sorry.”

  “So he said.”

  “Well, I’m not sorry I recommended him. He is skilled, and I’ve no doubt he will redeem his agency by bringing this situation to a swift and quiet close. The lady will be free of her burden, wait and see.”

  “One of his men will be travelling with us, Taylor and possibly one other. Robins and the rest will be staying behind and pursuing Huntsford here in the city. He’s gone to ground. But from what Lydia has told me of him, I doubt the wayward surgeon will stay hidden for long. He’s desperate and will make a move. He’s also become reckless.” Harrison pulled a revolver from his drawer. “And I will be ready.”

  Sam’s eyes widened. “Since when did you become so fierce?”

  “Since the woman I’m falling in love with has been threatened. I will do all in my power to see her safe. Once Huntsford is arrested, hopefully, she will be able to heal and move on with her life. And accept my heart. One thing at a time, however.”

  “Love? Things are moving at a rapid pace for both of us. I’m surmising the aristo-marriage alliance idea has come to an end?”

  Harrison nodded. “It has. I can be a stubborn and misguided sod.”

  Sam snorted. “No comment from me.”

  “Upon meeting Lydia, what is your impression? Be truthful. You’re accomplished at sizing up people at first contact. ”

  Sam tapped his chin thoughtfully. “She’s attractive despite the lingering effects of her illness and homeless state. I saw a genuine warmth in her eyes, but also a wariness. I don’t believe she is cold at heart, but it’s obvious she’s damaged inside. Will she ever be able to trust again?” Harrison had told Sam of her background, not all that she revealed, but generalities.

  How astute. Therein was the crux of it all. Would Lydia ever trust him fully and open her heart? Love him completely? He would settle for no less. All thoughts of an aristocratic alliance had dissipated into smoke. Another of his harebrained ideas. My God, what an idiot he’d been, on many subjects. He had been too obstinate and self-centered by far. Yes, he did good deeds, but all he appeared to be concerned with was how it would reflect on him.

  No, not entirely true, he was protecting his family, that motive was genuine at the very least. What blunders he had made. But it was time to own his missteps. Confess it all. And move on to the next phase of his life. He wanted to share it all with Lydia. If she would have him.

  “I think you’ve hit on it. I will give her all the time she needs.” He paused, looking toward the closed door. “How much do you think the servants are aware of?”

  Sam chuckled. “More than you think. Why not ask them? If you’re intent on coming out of the shadows, why not begin with your household staff?”

  Why not, indeed? Harrison strode to the door, open
ed it, and found Gillis and Youngston conversing farther along the hall. “Could you both come in here a moment?”

  Harrison motioned for Youngston to close the door. “I have a question to ask you. How much do you know about my night activities?”

  The two men exchanged looks. “We know everything, my lord,” Youngston replied. “Though not at first. When you took up permanent residence here at the town house five years past, you were more careful. Then you started to wear the white garments home. Your exhaustion was far deeper than a man engaging in excessive carnal activity.”

  “I see,” Harrison stated. He glanced at Sam who smiled with amusement.

  “Servants talk, my lord,” Gillis interjected. “With decided frequency. We were concerned about you, so one night—I followed you. I watched you for two hours offering medical care to those who needed it most. Well, my lord, naturally, I came back here and reported my findings.”

  “Naturally,” Harrison responded drolly.

  “You have your reasons for keeping it quiet, my lord, and we all respect that,” Gillis continued. “We decided that night we would do all we could to protect your identity and assist you in any way. Granted, most of it was taking a particular care of you, meals, sleep, keeping most household annoyances from bothering you.”

  “You may not be aware, my lord, but servants from various households do come across each other, in shops, pubs, and the like,” Youngston interjected. “We perpetuated the tale of your supposed wild exploits. I’m afraid the gossip was spread far and wide. Perhaps we were too inventive with your carnal adventures. Nonetheless, you have been left alone these past years.”

  “That I have,” Harrison replied softly.

  “It has been our distinct honor to serve you, my lord,” Youngston said, his voice filled with emotion. “All of us. You’re a true gentleman, a man of quality. A man of principle. We will keep your secrets safe for as long as you wish.”

  Harrison swallowed hard. Hearing these passionately spoken words made him realize that his reasons for secrecy were not all selfish at the core. He truly did wish to serve his fellowman. Protect his family. Protect those who needed it most as Gillis said.